Climbers pay $4K for violations in Utah park

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Three rock climbers have paid a $4,000 settlement to Capitol Reef National Park in Utah for violating climbing policies in the making of a photograph that appeared in a Patagonia clothing catalog, a park official said Tuesday.

Rangers found illegal climbing bolts were embedded in rock, and other rocks had been moved to create three illegal climbing routes. Climbing is allowed in areas of the park, but climbers are not allowed to place new bolts or fixed hardware.

McGinnis said the rangers contacted Patagonia and do not believe it knew about the illegal climbing.

A freelance photographer shot the image, and the company has no relationship with the two people pictured climbing, Patagonia spokesman Adam Fetcher said.

The company is reviewing its freelance photography policies and reaching out to the photographer involved to find out what happened, he said.

"We work very hard to makes sure every photo we publish depicts responsible climbing practices that align with Patagonia's broad environmental mission by asking vigilant questions and requiring locations always be identified," Fetcher said in a statement.